Chapter 3

He is so handsome on the outside,but ugly on the inside. I thought over his request for a moment, should I forgive him? The pain he caused me, the fear,the insult,the names, the tears I cried for him treating me like trash for no other reason than because i'm different. I could feel his nervousness as he tried to take another step closer to me.

"Can you just say something?

Please, Rachel? He pleaded and nothing has ever sounded so beautiful as the sound of my name coming out of his mouth. I smiled a little as I took a step towards him.

"Gabriel". I said and he visibly shuddered at the sound of his name coming from my mouth. I reach out my hands to cup his cheeks and spark erupts all the way down my arms. The pull was intense and my wolf thought of him as marking us. His eyes widen as he lean forward into my touch, obviously enjoying the touch.

I think I can give you a chance, I said quietly and I could hear him let out a breath of relief. He takes the hands off his face and places a kiss on my palm before resting them on his chest, covering it with both his hands.

"Really? He asked hopefully. I gave him another wide smile.

Before narrowing my eyes and growling at him, ripping my hands away from him. He furrowed his brows in confusion as I took a step back.

"No". I said his face dropped in sorrow. It hurt me deeply, deeper than I thought it would, the mate bound is much stronger than I thought ,but that only hardened my heart.

"I Rachel I reject you Gabriel as my mate". I yelled at him. He fell to the ground in pain clutching his chest. Now I know what to expect when he accepts my rejection.

The feeling I had towards him minutes ago was severed. I felt nothing but the hatred I had for him for years. I will mourn the loss of my mate later but for now there are more important things to handle. Gabriel staggered back to his feet, with a mixture of grief and betrayal. I felt nothing.

"Accept my rejection Gabriel '' I screamed but he ignored me. I pounded my fist on his back dragging him to turn around.

"What? After all these years of treating me like trash now you can't face me?

Pathetic, I yelled at him and he turned around. I continued my assault on him, but he did nothing to stop me.

"If this is what you need to make you feel better, then continue". He said In a tiny tone, then I stopped hitting him, letting out a small sob in the process . His eyes widen as tears trail down my face. He reached out to wipe it off but I didn't allow him.

This is what you have done to me, I said angrily " you turned me into someone I am not. Just accept my rejection Gabriel. Do one kind thing for me,I begged . His eyes were mist with tears. He took one last long look at me before shifting at that spot and running into the woods.

Rachel

I watched as he ran into the forest, standing still in shock. Once he was gone my resolve was totally broken and fell to the ground crying my eyes out. Luckily I followed him into the forest, away from prying eyes.

Am not crying for him. "Hell no" Am only mourning the loss of my mate. My hope, the mate I was looking forward to having. I would have cherished my mate so much.

If it had been someone else.

I have no idea why he didn't accept my mate's rejection. He never liked me to begin with. I couldn't imagine the mate bound changing his feelings for me. Am very sure that wasn't the case for me.

I can feel my wolf whinnying in my head, but she wasn't mad at me. She agrees with my decision and respects it.

I eventually stopped crying and pushed myself out of the forest finding my way home. I missed the training, but I think the alpha would give me a pass considering my situation. I scoffed at thought, what would his reaction be? I can't help but wonder. Or maybe Gabriel won't tell him at all, maybe he will pretend as if he never found his mate. I would like it that way I will be able to travel out of the pack, pretending to look for my mate. That way I can escape the pack without having to see him again.

The idea warmed me up and I decided to talk to him about it later. I arrived home, took a shower and changed into comfortable clothes. When suddenly I hear a knock on the door. I answered it when I opened the door, it was our beta. He is a guy with a well built body. The scar on his cheek does nothing but add to his intimidating aura.

"Afternoon beta" I bare my neck in submission. What brings you to this humble abode this afternoon? I asked. He furrowed his brow with suspicion at me then urged me to follow him.

"Alpha would like to see you" is all he said as he walked back to the SUV. He turned back and looked at me questioningly again when he realized that I wasn't following him. I cleared my throat before speaking.

" Is it because I missed this morning's training? Am really sorry I overslept. I will make it up this week, do two extra sessions. No need for you all to go out of your way for me." I said brightly" trying to sneak back into the house. The beta growls at me pointing at the SUV. He is a man of few words.

I sat in the front seat waiting for him to take off. The drive to the pack house takes only about ten minutes and it looks nearly deserted.

Chapter 4

Where is everyone? I asked myself not expecting an answer.

Alpha sent them away, he wants this conversation to be private. This isn't about my absence at the pack training this morning right? He nods his head before getting out to open the door for me.

"Such a gentleman". I said and he snorted in response.

He is waiting in the office. I nodded and I walked up the stairs. He doesn't need to show me the way. I have always been visiting since I was young. The alpha and luna have taken special interest in me since I was young, they saw the aptitude for pack dynamics and took time to train me and improve my skills and help me grow,more reason why I love them both.

"I just don't love their son".

I knocked on the door, and the alpha call's for me to come in. I stepped into the office and looked around. The alpha, Luna, Gabriel as well as my parents were present. They both looked annoyed and I turned to look at Gabriel.

You told them right? You fool you ruined my plan. I yelled at him and he looked at me confused.

"What plan? He asked irritatedly and I growled at him.

" To get out of the pack" He and the alpha both growl at me.

"You are going nowhere"Gabriel said.I rolled my eyes at him.

"You don't have a say over that" I said and Gabriel growled at me again. The alpha held his hands up to get our attention back and motioned me to sit on the chair in-between my parents.

Why don't we talk this over. He says apologetically.

Now Rachel, why did you reject Gabriel? He asked and I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. My mom pinches my thigh for response and I growl at her. Surprising everyone because I have always been a gentle wolf

" No offense alpha but your son is an asshole. You know before today I have never heard him call my real name in years. You know what he calls me bitch,slut,whore sometimes he is more creative. I said and Luna hit Gabriel at the back of his head, making me laugh.

You called your mate such filthy names? She asked horrified and Gabriel got defensive.

"I didn't know she was my mate," He shouted.

" That is not an excuse for you to speak to pack members like that. Alpha cut in before turning back to me. Maybe we shouldn't hold grudges over the things peace does when we are young, Rachel people grow.

" It was three days ago" Luna hit his head again. I gave her an appreciative look. My dad and alpha both growl at him and he sank in his chair.

" It really is ironic though, if you think about it. He called him a slut while I waited for my mate. Did you wait for me Gabriel? Did you? I asked him, as I pinned him with my glare, he couldn't answer. He was only looking at the floor.

" That's what I thought," I muttered. Alpha sighs heavily and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Rachel. My son is an asshole, but I need you to put that aside for a minute. I need you to give him a chance not just for him but for the sake of the pack. He says.

Am sorry that my pathetic love life is making you and the pack uncomfortable, alpha.

" What are you talking about? I asked with obvious irritation in my voice.

Watch yourself Rachel. My mom mutter's to me.

If I ever have the right to be ,it would only be now.

It is not just Gabriel you are rejecting as your mate. You are rejecting the whole pack. You are meant to be luna. Alpha explained and it dawned on me.

Holy shit, how could I not have realized this before? I tried to calm my beating heart and my thoughts began to race. I started to hyperventilate and my parents tried to calm me. Gabriel comes up to me and rests his hand on my back.

" Don't touch me" I shouted at him and he pulled back his hand in surprise.

Isn't my touch calming to you? He asked and I let out a mocking laugh.

Not since I rejected you. I feel nothing, I said and I didn't bother to hide my satisfaction at the truth. Gabriel looked more saddened than before.

You can't feel our bond? He asked and I Shaked my head.

"No" so I guess you bond now. I said and he went back to his seat looking defeated. Once my breathing is back to normal, alpha continues.

Normally Rachel, I did say you have every right to reject your mate, but this is bigger than you and Gabriel. This is the future of our pack," It strength". Doesn't that matter to you? He said and I nodded.

" It does that y I want to leave, alpha furrowed a serious brow at me, so does everyone else.

Explain. He says and I sigh knowing I am bound to make everyone angry.

I don't think Gabriel will make a good alpha. I said all the gasps and Gabriel growled at me.

And why is that? Alpha asked, obviously trying to control his temper. I straightened my back and took a deep breath.

He is rude, selfish, self-centered and proud. He is power hungry and stubborn. He will make this pack explode. I said, no one spoke for a long time.

Surprisingly it was Gabriel who opened his mouth first.

"I Gabriel accept".

Luna smacked her hand on the table before he could finish accepting my rejection.

When you finish that sentence I will put you in the ground myself. By doing that, you are proving everything she just said about you is true. Luna says with firm glare. Gabriel nods a little and she removes her hand, watching him closely.

Chapter 5

I won't say it, Gabriel says annoyed and runs his hand through his hair. I watch his movement,my eyes trailing his hand. Gabriel saw my gaze and snorted at me. That pissed me off and I returned my gaze to the alpha.

"Rachel,I am not saying that you are wrong". Alpha says, making Gabriel growl from his seat. Alpha growled back making him wilt under his firm glare. But if there is any chance of him Changing,it is you. A mate brings out the best in you, especially an alpha. You might be the change he needs, That an opportunity if you ask me." He said and I smiled at him".

That sounds pretty good and all, Alpha am not ready to pin my future on trying to change my mate for good. And it is not fair to ask me to do that, I said as a matter of fact. And Gabriel scoffed from where he was seated.

Why does any of this matter to begin with? I already reject him as my mate, it's not like I can just take it back. I said and Luna cleared her throat.

" Well, actually if you mark him it will restore your bond, it will be your way of accepting him again". She says and I sigh, making him growl in frustration.

" You don't want me either, Gabriel. Why don't you just admit it. I asked him and he rolled his eyes at me.

" Who says I don't want you, I have always wanted a mate. Yes I didn't expect it to be you, but am willing to give it a try. He says shrugging and I growl at him.

Yes, you are not the one who's been tormented all these years, so it's easy for you to say so. I said irritatedly and my mom cut in.

We don't seem to be heading anywhere,maybe we should take a break for today. Gabriel groans and I growl at him.

Rachel, can I talk to you in private? He asked.

Fine.

I followed him out of the office and up the stairs into a room. As soon as I stepped into the room, I got engulfed in his scent. It is not as strong or enticing since I broke the bond, but it still smells so good . I discreetly take in a sniff as he closes the door behind us. He comes up behind me and pulls my hair over my shoulder, unapologetically talking in a long sniff of my scent.

God damn, you smell so good, baby. He murmurs as I pull away from him.

" That's just the mate bond talking". I said and he grew in response.

No, you have always smelled so good. He says taking another step towards me as he sniffs. I could see his tense body visibly relax as he sat on the bed.

I think you know what I am going to say,Leaning back on his headboard.

Are you going to accept my rejection?I asked and he smirked before laughing softly.

No, I am going to say at least we should give it a try. He says with confidence.

Why do you just accept that you don't want me, and we can both move on? I asked stubbornly and he growled a little.

" I do want you, you are smart and hot, why won't I want you? He asked, smiling at me.

You didn't like me yesterday, the only thing that changed is the mate bond. That is not enough to build a relationship on. I pointed out.

" I have always liked you". He says.

You had a shitty way of showing it right. I said as I took my seat across from him, he sighs heavily as he runs his hand through his hair again. I got a strange urge to do the same too, maybe the mate bond isn't totally severed it just muted in a way.

" If I tell you it the truth , you will probably think am stupid". He says.

" Probably, hit me with it anyway you have nothing to lose. I said and his eyes bore into mine as he nodded slightly.

" I was jealous, plain and simple. My parents love you and would always talk about how smart you are. How good it will be for the pack, I feel like they would have preferred to have you as their child than me. He says avoiding eye contact with me, I sighed heavily as I rubbed my temple.

Gabriel, it not stupid how you handled it was wrong, you could have talked to your parents about it instead of treating me like trash. I said and he nodded in agreement.

I know,I figured that out before graduation but I also thought it wouldn't matter that much if I tried to amend it anyway. I thought you would never forgive me but I never thought you would end up being my mate. He said then I stood up making my way to the door.

"Where are you going? He asked standing on his feet, I looked at him in confusion pointing to the door.

Am going home, I have a lot to think about as I head for the door. He grabs my wrist inorder to stop me from leaving and I look at him confused.

Can't you think here? He asked desperately and I got more confused by his behavior.

What's going on Gabriel? I asked him shivers at the sound of his name from my mouth, that made him realize that he still felt the full force of the mate bond.

I just want to be near you. He admits shyly, I sighed and sat back on the chair.

Am not staying here,I am going to have nothing to do with you. Think of it as a punishment for the way you treated me for years, I said.

That fine I totally deserve that, but you won't make me surfer for five years right? He asked but I looked away.

That is not a terrible idea, I said and he slid off the bed kneeling down in front of me.

Please Rachel don't torture me, I know you can't feel it but the thought of not being close to me is killing me . My wolf has been trying to take over so he can mark you, we want you. You are everything we need in a Luna, we are sorry to give us another chance . He pleaded, lifting his face to look at me. They were filled with tears. Never in my life have I imagined Gabriel on his knees begging for my forgiveness.

I almost didn't like it.